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EC targets Apple in ebooks probe

Ebook pricing comes under fire by European regulators

Apple and five publishers are being formally investigated by the European Commission over ebook prices.

The EC said it was examining whether five publishers have "possibly, with the help of Apple, engaged in anti-competitive practices affecting the sale of ebooks" in Europe.

"The opening of proceedings means that the Commission will treat the case as a matter of priority," it added, saying it was unclear how long the investigation would take.

Aside from Apple, the investigation will target Penguin, part of Pearson Group in the UK, as well as Hachette Livre, Harper Collins, Simon and Schuster, and Verlagsgruppe Georg von Holzbrinck in Germany.

The opening of proceedings means that the Commission will treat the case as a matter of priority

"The Commission will in particular investigate whether these publishing groups and Apple have engaged in illegal agreements or practices that would have the object or the effect of restricting competition in the EU or in the EEA," it said. "The Commission is also examining the character and terms of the agency agreements entered into by the above named five publishers and retailers for the sale of ebooks."

"Penguin has taken note of today’s announcements by the EU Commission and the UK Office of Fair Trading related to the publishing of ebooks," the UK publisher said in a statement sent to PC Pro. "Penguin welcomes the OFT’s decision to close its investigation."

"As the EU Commission said, the fact that it has initiated proceedings does not prejudge the outcome of its investigation," it added. "Penguin does not believe it has breached any laws, and will continue to fully and openly cooperate with the Commission."

Apple has yet to reply for request for comment.

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Comments

There's more VAT on eBooks than on printed books, which is perhaps one reason why Steve Jobs Autobiography is more expensive as an eBook than it is as a print version. And no, I don't have it.Do you want to buy my copy. 8.50 inc. UK postage and packing?

I've been buying ebooks for 10 years and usually bought them from the USA as they didn't attract VAT and I could get books that were not available through publishers here.The Publishers then realised this was happening and restricted the licensing on the books so they couldn't be sold outside USA and Canada. Now bear in mind the UK Publishers didn't sell the books I could no longer obtain them at all apart from via illegal means!Talk about pushing you to Piracy....I could buy the paperback and have it shipped no problem!

The only printed books that DO have VAT on the cost are the ones that contain crossword puzzles or other items which are filled in or completed by the reader. The rule is that if more than 25% of the book is "filled in" then it is subject to VAT. By this token, some application forms fall into that category; eg Land Registry Enquiry forms etc.